About John G. Watts Expertise I can answer questions related to debt collectors and collection agencies contacting, threatening, or suing consumers. I can also discuss how credit reports are affected by debt collectors and collection agencies. My website lists a number of actual cases I have recently filed - www.alabamaconsumer.com. You can also go to my blog at http://www.alabamaconsumerlawblog.com/ which lists information about consumer issues.
Experience I have been a lawyer for 12 years. My background is a trial practice in the area of personal injury and wrongful death. The last couple of years, I have shifted my focus to consumer law. Specifically, to representing consumers with errors on their credit reports (Fair Credit Reporting Act), identity theft (Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and harassment from collection agencies (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act).
Education/Credentials Graduated with a business degree from Indiana University in 1992. Law degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1995.
Expert: John G. Watts Date: 6/10/2007 Subject: A BILL THAT IS NOT MINE
Question over 3 years ago i began receiving collections letters from a collections lawyer with regards to a $250 doctors bill. i had never seen or heard of the doctor who issued the bill, and was not ill or in a hospital on the date of service. in addition the address on the bill was incorrect.i called and spoke with the collections lawyer twice and was told that they would look into the matter. i just received another letter from them after 3.5 years pertaining to the same bill, in which they state that they have reported me to the credit bureaus and that if i act immediately they will notify them to remove the negative info from my record. this bill is not mine. what can i do and what rights do i have to remove the info from my credit report.
Answer Michael,
Pull your credit reports and see if this is on your reports. If it is, dispute it as it is not yours. I would cc the collection attorney/firm also on your dispute letters.
These posts address pulling and disputing items on your credit reports - I hope they are helpful. Keep me posted on how things are going for you.
